Summer Cooling Secrets: The Caveman Method

---

Why the “Caveman Method” is Trending (And When You Need More Than Cave-Like Tactics)

As August temperatures soar across Utah, homeowners are getting creative with cooling strategies. The latest trend making waves? The “caveman method.”

It’s a surprisingly simple approach that mimics how our ancestors stayed cool in caves. But before you go full prehistoric, let’s explore when this method works, when it doesn’t, and why your modern HVAC system might be your best friend during Ogden’s hottest month.

What Exactly Is the Caveman Method?

The idea is to treat your home like a cave: dark, shut tight, and sealed off from the outside heat. Joseph Holman, CEO of Green Doors, explains that “A cave is cool in heatwaves because it is dark and doesn’t have direct sunlight or a direct entrance for the heat.”

Here’s how it works:

Why This Method Actually Works

The science behind the caveman method is solid. Just like caves stay naturally cool because they’re dark, insulated, and sealed off from direct sunlight and hot air, your home can trap cool air when properly sealed.

Think of it this way: If you’ve got AC, you wouldn’t be opening doors or windows through fear of letting the cool air out and wasting it. In reverse, if you’re not running AC, but you open the doors or windows, you’re letting hot air in.

The Utah Reality Check

While the caveman method can provide relief, let’s be honest about August in Utah. When temperatures hit the high 90s and beyond, cave tactics might not be enough. Here’s when you need to call in the professionals:

Maximizing Your Home’s Cooling Potential

Whether you’re team caveman or team air conditioning, these upgrades can help:

Short-Term Solutions:

• Put box fans into windows early in the morning, when temperatures are at their coolest, to help funnel that air through a dwelling
• Use window coverings strategically
• Avoid using heat-producing appliances as much as possible

Long-Term Investments:

• Tinted film for windows to reflect the heat
• Installing integral blinds as a smart way to control the temperature
• Professional duct sealing to prevent cool air loss
• Modern, energy-efficient HVAC systems

When Your Cave Needs Climate Control

At Absolute Comfort, we understand that every home and family has different cooling needs. Different people have different temperature needs, and certain medical conditions or medications can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperatures.

The caveman method is a great supplementary strategy, but it shouldn’t replace proper HVAC maintenance and upgrades. The most effective way to stay cool, especially during dangerously extreme heat, is with air-conditioning — but it needs to be working at peak efficiency.

Your August Action Plan

1. Try the caveman method on milder days (under 85°F)
2. Schedule HVAC maintenance before peak heat arrives
3. Check your system’s efficiency — make sure your air conditioner’s filters are clean
4. Consider upgrades if your current system struggles
5. Have a backup plan for extreme heat days

If your system is struggling to keep up or making unusual noises, you may need professional AC repair before the heat gets worse.

The Bottom Line

The caveman method is having its moment for good reason. It’s simple, cost-effective, and can provide real relief during moderate heat. But when August temperatures in Utah climb into dangerous territory, don’t tough it out in your cave. HVAC experts recommend opening up your home in the evening or early morning when temperatures drop outside, even just for an hour or two, letting in cooler, fresher air can make a big difference.

Your comfort and safety matter more than any trending cooling hack. If your home can’t maintain a comfortable temperature even with caveman tactics, it’s time to call the professionals.

---